AI note-taking tools are making their way into therapy offices and virtual sessions across Canada. They promise efficiency, better focus in sessions, and lighter documentation loads. But alongside that promise comes confusion, especially when it comes to privacy laws, EHR compatibility, and the actual role AI should play in clinical work.
If you’re a therapist in Canada, chances are you’ve asked at least one of the following:
- “Is this tool actually PIPEDA-compliant?”
- “Can I record sessions legally?”
- “Will it fit into my workflow, or just make more work?”
This guide clears up four common myths about AI in therapy and gives you the clarity you need to make confident, informed decisions about these tools without the fear, hype, or misinformation.
Conversations with Canadian Therapists About AI
Earlier this year, Owl Practice hosted a webinar along with Canadian panelists to discuss the use of AI notes in private practice. Each panelist approached the idea of AI and using it in their practice with similar fears and apprehensions.
Ted Faneuff, LISW, LMSW, LCSW, shared that for him, he was most concerned about data, privacy and protection. And if an AI vendor stated they were compliant, what did that really mean? Would they sell data? Would they use data to train the AI’s model?
He also found that he had a hard time conceptualizing what happened in session and couldn’t translate it well to his notes. This led to forgetfulness, anxiety and feelings of imposter syndrome. AI notes allowed Ted to be more present in sessions and gain more confidence in himself as a clinician.
Alex Weedmark, R.B.A., was concerned about client consent and ensuring that clients were able to understand why she was using AI and what it meant in the context of their session.
She shared, ”I am a neurodivergent therapist, and one of the things that I struggle with immensely is task initiation when it comes to notes and also flipping back and forth.”
She explained that she found it difficult to go from “session mode” to “admin mode” and be able to accurately capture details of sessions. Eventually, she would start to build a backlog of notes because she kept putting them off. AI notes allowed her to streamline the process and allow her to keep doing what she really loved, which was to be in “session mode”. So, AI notes were really exciting for her.
Uncertainty and apprehension towards AI tools like AI note takers is completely understandable, and it’s important to have a healthy level of skepticism when it comes to introducing any new tool to your practice.
Let’s dive into the common myths and fears clinicians hold towards AI tools, and how clinicians who have gone through the journey of apprehension to application can share the reality of how AI tools have impacted their practice.
Watch the AI Notes Webinar here!
Myth 1: “AI Will Replace My Clinical Judgment”
The truth: Responsible AI is here to assist, not think for you
Responsible AI tools don’t pretend to “know” your client. AI Notetakers like Owl Practice’s Smart Notes, for example, aren’t there to interpret your client’s well-being or assess their needs for you, but simply to capture speech and provide you with a summary that can help eliminate background work, save time, and stay more present. Importantly, you still have agency over what your documentation looks like, what you include and exclude.
Some clinicians find that AI Notetaking tools help them stay more present in sessions, because they’re not worried about remembering what was said, and can spend more of their focus on that unspoken communication.
“For me, using AI has actually increased my presence. I’m not splitting my mental energy between attunement and remembering to document everything. I know I’ll have a transcript later, so I can stay fully with the client in the moment,” says Alex Weedmark, R.B.A.
“I used to be so anxious about missing something that I wasn’t really in the room. Now I have analytics, like speech cadence or silence markers, that help me process the session after the fact. AI isn’t replacing clinical intuition, it’s supporting it,” shares Ted Faneuff, LISW, LMSW, LCSW.
Takeaway: Think of AI as your assistant, not your replacement. Review everything it produces and layer your professional lens on top.
Myth 2: “If It’s Marketed as Compliant, It Must Be Safe to Use”
The truth: Unfortunately, this is not always the case. You’re capable of evaluating these tools, and you get to decide what works for your practice.
Many tools advertise themselves as “secure” or “compliant,” but compliance isn’t one-size-fits-all. The good news? You already have the clinical judgment skills needed to assess whether a tool aligns with Canadian privacy laws like PIPEDA, PHIPA, or your provincial regulations.
Questions that help you evaluate:
- Where is the data stored? (Canadian servers vs. elsewhere)
- Can you opt out of having session data used to train the AI?
- Does the tool make it easy to integrate consent into your intake process?
Some tools store data on U.S. servers or use recordings for internal development, which is a compliance breach in some Canadian provinces. Others keep data stored in Canada and ensure client information is never used for AI training. For example, Owl Practice’s Smart Notes stores data locally, doesn’t use client data to train AI models, and integrates consent directly into the intake process through forms and the Client Portal Knowing the difference helps you choose what fits your practice values.
Ted Faneuff, LISW, LMSW, LCSW points out that it’s worth digging deeper into vendor claims. For example, a platform may say they don’t sell your data, but some aggregate and de-identify it first, then sell that. It’s technically not “your data” anymore, but worth knowing about.
Client consent as partnership, not burden
Informed consent doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about transparency: letting clients know what tools you use, how they work, and why you find them helpful.
“I provide the client with that business agreement so that they have the opportunity to review it themselves and to gather the information necessary that they need to make the choice that’s right for them. I’m also abundantly clear that if a client’s electing to opt out of my use of AI, it does not preclude them from receiving service,” shares Alex Weedmark, R.B.A.
Takeaway: Just because a tool says it’s compliant doesn’t mean it meets Canadian standards. Do your due diligence, and make privacy part of your informed consent process.
Myth 3: “Only Large Clinics Can Afford or Benefit from AI Tools”
The truth: Both Group and Solo therapists are using AI and seeing results
It’s easy to assume that only big practices with big budgets can take advantage of AI, but that’s no longer true. Many tools now offer both group and solo-practice pricing, free trials, or freemium tiers that make them accessible for all types of clinicians.
AI tools can be extremely valuable, and solo practitioners without any admin support are no exception, as every minute counts!
Ted Faneuff’s story is probably not uncommon. Ted shared that he felt like he wasn’t present enough with his family due to accumulated documentation and notes work. Being able to test an AI tool and integrate it full-time into his practice gave time back in his day so that he could be present with clients and his family.
Takeaway: You don’t need a team to benefit from AI. If it helps you show up better for clients and cut admin time, it’s worth exploring, regardless of practice size.
Myth 4: “If I Use AI Too Much, I’ll Get Worse at Writing Clinical Notes”
The truth: AI can sharpen your skills if you stay active in the process
Some clinicians worry that relying on AI will make them lazy note-takers. That’s a valid concern, if you stop engaging with what the tool gives you.
But when used intentionally, AI can improve your structure, speed up your workflow, and even clarify your thinking. You might use it to generate a summary, then add your formulation, reflections, and clinical impressions.
AI can be used to give you a starting point where you have the agency to decide how much detail remains and what gets submitted for documentation.
Therapists report that using AI helps them stay present in session, knowing they can add depth later when reviewing the draft.
Takeaway: Think of AI as a writing partner. Let it handle the scaffolding, while you fill in the real meaning behind the session.
AI Note-Taking Self-Assessment: Myths vs. Reality
Use this table to address common myths and evaluate whether an AI note-taking tool is a good fit for your practice.
Conclusion: Use AI Thoughtfully, with Your Clinical Voice at the Centre
AI tools have the power to reduce burnout, improve documentation quality, and give you more time to focus on what matters: your clients.
The therapists seeing real benefits from AI are using it intentionally. They’re:
- Reviewing outputs carefully
- Staying involved in the writing process
- Ensuring privacy compliance
- Choosing tools that match their values and workflows
Whether you’re in a solo practice or a group setting, AI note-taking tools can work for you if you take the time to evaluate them thoughtfully.
FAQs: Quick Answers to Common Questions About AI in Canadian Therapy
Can I record sessions legally for AI-generated notes?
Yes, but only with clear, written informed consent from clients. Recordings must be stored securely and in line with PIPEDA and your province’s health information laws.
Are AI tools compliant with Canadian privacy standards?
It depends. Some store data in Canada and offer opt-outs for model training. Others don’t. Always verify storage location, consent options, and privacy policies.
Do these tools integrate with Canadian EHR systems?
Some do. Others offer workarounds like PDF or plain text exports. Ask the vendor for integration details or a demo before committing.
Owl Practice’s Smart Notes are an optional add-on to your existing Owl Practice plan seamlessly.
Can AI help with supervision or training?
Yes, having a session transcript can be helpful for case reviews, supervision discussions, or noticing clinical patterns over time. Just be sure you have informed client consent for that use.
How should I tell clients I’m using AI in my practice?
Include it in your informed consent paperwork, informed client consent is crucial. Clearly state how data is collected, where it’s stored, and whether it’s used for training purposes.
Will my notes sound robotic if I use AI?
Not necessarily. The best approach is to use AI for summaries and structure, then customize with your own clinical voice and insights.
Coming Soon: Owl Practice will be launching an AI Note Taker tool!
Learn more about Owl Practice’s upcoming feature, Smart Notes, here!
Reduce clinical administrative tasks and transform more lives with Owl Practice. Owl Practice provides all the tools you need to make your practice successful. Join the thousands of care professionals using Owl to run their practice every day.
